A Guide to SQL Featuring Oracle

Rating:
Summary: From a Beginner's point of view.
Review: A fantastic book for learning SQL. I did not have Oracle and was learning on Microsoft Access instead, but I found the book very helpful nonetheless. The author does a good job of explaining SQL and databases. This book is also a very handy reference when programming. I still find myself using it as a guide when writing SQL statements in my programs. Overall a good book. I recommend it for SQL beginners and highly recommend it for users of Oracle.

Rating:
Summary: Good introduction to SQL for beginners
Review: I would definitely recommend this book to any beginer who has no idea what SQL is really all about. It starts off by introducing a fairly simple database and then builds on various queries and aspects of the database. I found it helpful making a copy of the database layout page which I then placed next to my monitor for constant referals. In just a few days I was confidently tackling our Oracle database at work and now no longer have that 'unknown' fear when facing any SQL related problems. Though for complex SQL scripts I would recommend a more advanced book.

Rating:
Summary: From a Beginner's point of view.
Review: I've had some programming experience, but can't say I'm an excellent programmer. This book really clued me in how just how versatile SQL can be. It slowly builds your knowledge and feeds it just enough to keep you interested for more. I've since purchased other books by Loney published by Oracle Press and have found them to be dry reads in comparison. After reading this book, I feel confident enough to take on PL/SQL. My limited programming skill is not a hindrance to learning SQL. Now.

An excellent beginner's book.

Rating:
Summary: Disappointed almost every time I open it
Review: Sorry Authors but I can never seem to find what I am after here. e.g. Looking for info on "aggregate" terms - no reference to it. e.g. Looking for information on oracle date handling - not enough info to be useful.

I need something more heavy duty really. Might be okay for someone starting out - but I doubt it.